Micromechanisms of serrated flow in a Ni₅₀Pd₃₀P₂₀ bulk metallic glass with a large compression plasticity

Serrated flow is a characteristic feature of plastic deformation of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) with a large compression strain. However, the underlying mechanisms of the discrete plasticity in the disordered solids have been debated for many years. Here, we report mechanical behavior and microstructural evolution of a Ni₅₀Pd₃₀P₂₀ BMG subjected to uniaxial compression testing. Extensive nanocrystallization within shear bands and in the vicinity of fracture surfaces was observed and various crystal defects, including dislocations, twins and kink bands, were detected in the resultant nanocrystals. These observations suggest a microscopic mechanism of the serrated flow of the BMG, i.e. the stress drop is caused by local strain-softening and the arrest of shear bands is associated with in situ nanocrystallization.